The Community House program coordinator Samantha Bautista and recreation supervisor Karen Kaspar are prepared for another exciting year of Before/After the Bell, a program to keep District 181 students engaged, entertained and supervised before and after school. (Jim Slonoff photo)
A move to a new town comes with plenty of questions and uncertainties. Hinsdale mom Candice Hodson said she was relieved to learn that after-school care for her son wasn't one of them.
Hodson and her family moved to Hinsdale in 2021. Both she and her husband work outside of the home and they needed safe, reliable care for son Rowen between the end of the school day and the end of the work day. Hodson said she was pleased and relieved to learn of the Before/After the Bell program provided by The Community House.
"It's such an important program," said Hodson, whose 9-year-old son attends The Lane School.
While she finishes her work day, she knows Rowen is not only safe, but having fun at Before/After the Bell. Organized in coordination with District 181, the program includes planned activities, time for homework, special events and an after-school snack. Hodson said Rowen's favorite part of Before/After the Bell is time spent outdoors.
Offered to children in kindergarten through fifth grade, the program follows the Community Consolidated Elementary District 181 calendar and typically runs Monday through Friday. Karen Kaspar, recreation supervisor at The Community House, said morning care is offered at The Lane School in Hinsdale, Prospect School in Clarendon Hills and at The Community House from 7 to 8:35 a.m.
"We transport the kids to Elm School, Oak School, Madison and Walker," Kaspar said. If there is enough interest among Monroe parents, Kaspar said she would like to see a program offered there, as well.
The after-school program is offered at all seven District 181 schools this year.
Hodson said the flexibility of the program makes it even more appealing to busy families. Children can register for a single day, giving families peace of mind knowing that the option is available, should the need arise.
"He comes home with some homework done," Hodson said of her son, which leaves more time for the family to spend together once they all have finished their workday.
"It's been wonderful to see him happy and active," Hodson said. "We're very thankful for the program."
The Community House and District 181 teamed up to offer Before/After the Bell in 2019. Kaspar took over in 2021.
"We've been trying to include more enrichment activities," she said, especially after school, when the children have more time. Contracted programs such as Whole Child Learning provide lessons that feel more like playing than learning, Kaspar said.
In addition to Kaspar and program coordinator Samantha Bautista, children at Before/After the Bell are supervised by college-age students hired by The Community House, keeping a maximum 13:1 child-to-staff ratio, Kaspar said.
Before/After the Bell not only makes school days easier for Hinsdale families, it also provides care and supervision on days when kids don't have class. Kaspar said field trips are planned for days when school is closed.
"I've gone any and everywhere," she said, including museums, indoor playgrounds, and even Great Wolf Lodge. Camps are offered during extended breaks from school such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring break.
District 181 classes start Tuesday, Aug. 20.
"That will be the first day," Kaspar said, and registration is now open. While daily registration is welcome, Kaspar said it's important to register early to ensure the minimum number of participants is met.
The daily fee for before-school care is $22 for a single child and $20 per child for siblings. Members of The Community House Key Holder program receive a $10 discount.
After-school care fees are $30 for a single child and $20 per child for siblings. Key Holder members receive a $2 discount.
For more information, visit thecommunityhouse.org.
